Telephone forum on May 12, 2026, on the topic: “Treatment Options for Cataracts and Glaucoma”
On Tuesday, May 12, readers of the Volksstimme will have the opportunity to ask questions during a telephone forum on the topic of “Treatment Options for Cataracts and Glaucoma.”
Prof. Dr. med. Hagen Thieme, Director of the University Eye Clinic, and Dr. med. Giulia Renieri, Senior Physician and Managing Director of the same clinic, will be available to address your concerns. If you have any of the questions listed below, please don’t hesitate to call us. Those interested can call for advice on May 12, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. at 0391-532970.
- What is the difference between cataracts and glaucoma?
- How can I recognize the early signs of cataracts?
- When is cataract surgery necessary, and how is it performed?
- Why is glaucoma often detected late?
- Is glaucoma curable or only treatable?
- How often should I have an eye exam to detect both conditions early?
Photo: Prof. Hagen Thieme, M.D., Director of the University Eye Clinic, and Dr. Giulia Renieri, M.D., Senior Physician and Managing Director of the same clinic. Photographer: Sarah Kossmann/UMMD
Glaucoma, commonly known as “green star,” is an eye disease that causes damage to the optic nerve. It is often associated with elevated intraocular pressure, which results from increased resistance to the normal outflow of aqueous humor in the eye. If this pressure is too high, it can affect the optic nerve and damage it. If glaucoma remains untreated, vision usually deteriorates gradually and, in the worst case, can lead to blindness. Since the disease causes no symptoms for a long time, it is often not detected until damage to the optic nerve has already occurred.
Cataracts, also known as cataracts, are usually caused by age-related clouding of the eye’s lens, which typically begins around age 50. Risk factors such as smoking, as well as conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, can accelerate their development. Typical signs include decreased visual acuity, loss of color intensity, sensitivity to glare, or monocular double vision.
The treatment for both conditions differs fundamentally: In the case of glaucoma, treatment usually begins with medication to lower intraocular pressure. Cataracts, on the other hand, are treated surgically by replacing the clouded lens with an artificial lens, which usually results in a significant improvement in vision.